The Automobile Club de l'Ouest, governing body of the Le Mans 24 Hours race, has published the list of entrants for the 2012 edition of the 24 Heures du Mans which will be the 80th running of the world famous race.

 

On Saturday 16th June at the traditional start time of 3 p.m., 56 cars will line up on the pit straight. Despite the absence of Peugeot, who recently announced their withdrawal from endurance racing, (see our article Peugeot pull out of Le Mans 24 Hours) the 24 Heures du Mans has no shortage of motor manufacturers wishing to do battle.

 

While Audi will start clear favourites following Peugeot's withdrawal, as was shown last year when Audi finished the race as victors but with only one of their cars remaining, 24 Hours is a long time in endurance racing. This year, Audi, part of the VAG group, will be up against those other global giants General Motors and Toyota. Great Britain is well represented with Aston Martin this year being joined by Morgan who have re-entered the Le Mans 24 Hours after a lengthy absence.

 

Also taking part will be Ferrari and Porsche teams, though Porsche, as a manufacturer, will not be officially re-entering the 24 Heures du Mans for a couple of years. Add to that Honda, Nissan and Mazda and the stage will be set at Circuit de la Sarthe on 16th June for another epic 24 Hours of endurance racing.

 

The full list of cars entered for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2012 is published on the ACO website.